[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 1205]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING MARTIN PAONE

  Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, today is January 31. It is signifying the 
end to many things: the end of the month, maybe we will begin to see a 
little bit of spring down the road, but it is also the end of an 
amazing career of someone we all know and love, and that is Marty 
Paone.
  Marty Paone has worked for 32 years on the Hill, 28 years on the 
Senate floor. He started in the House Post Office before working in 
Senate parking. He joined the cloakroom in 1979 and was appointed 
Democratic Secretary in 1995 by Senator Daschle. He worked under four 
Democratic leaders: Senator Byrd, Senator Mitchell, Senator Daschle, 
and Senator Reid. I think every one of them would agree with the word 
that I would use to describe Marty Paone--``indispensable.''
  We do not know what we are going to do without Marty here. He has 
been such an amazing presence, so knowledgeable; not only about the 
rules of the floor but just about how this body works. I know Senator 
Reid relied on him for just about every kind of advice. Again, his 
advice was indispensable.
  I am particularly appreciative of his kindness to me when I was a new 
Senator, teaching me the way the place worked, helping me realize when 
there would be votes so I could time my schedule. As most of you know, 
I like to be busy, but I hate to miss votes, as everybody else. And he 
was just the most knowledgeable, decent, kind, indispensable person 
around here.
  Now Marty is leaving. We really are going to miss him. We are going 
to miss his dedication to this institution. I think if you made a list 
of the people most dedicated to the Senate, Marty Paone would be in the 
top 10 or 20 in all our history.
  We are going to miss his ever-present--he hovered in the background 
quietly--omniscience, always knowing what was going on, and always 
being there to help. We are going to miss Marty just as a person who, 
in his quiet, droll way, is actually a very funny guy.
  I want to wish Marty the best. I think I speak on behalf of 100 
Senators and everyone who served previously. I thank his wife Ruby for 
putting up with the long hours. I know because I would call Marty at 
home on weekends much of the time asking him for advice or when there 
might be a vote or this or that. His three kids, Alex, Stephanie, and 
Tommy--Stephanie is at William & Mary, Alex goes to VCU, and Tommy is 
still in high school. And a particular hello, because I have heard she 
is watching, to Marty's mother Evelyn Paone.
  Mrs. Paone, God gave you 95 years, and let's hope he gives you many 
more. I know you are so proud of Marty, maybe even a little prouder 
than we all are.
  Marty, we will miss you, we thank you, we love you. Good luck, 
Godspeed.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. ENSIGN. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum 
call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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